 |
The
Monastery of St Paul is situated 26 kilometers south of
Zafarana.
St Paul
(c. 228-343 AD), a contemporary of
St Anthony, is considered
Christianity's first ascetic hermit.
His remains are kept in one of the
monastery's three churches built in
and around the cave where he once
lived and worshiped for some 85
years.Although
the Coptic monastery itself is much
smaller than that of nearby St
Anthony, you are welcome to stay a
few nights. There is much to see:
freshwater springs, colorful wall
paintings, altars with candles, and
ostrich eggs that symbolize the
Resurrection. The fortress in the
middle was once where the monks
withdrew during hostile raids. The
monastery also houses many important
old and illustrated manuscripts.
|